* MadScientist: Tedd, Lord Tedd (EvilOverlord, though it's not clear how much), [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp/?date=2004-09-21 Dr. Germahn]] (HornyScientist), Amanda (HotScientist), Chika (CrazyPrepared).* TheMagicPokerEquation: Justin, down to 1 life and with no hand, wins his [[MagicTheGathering Magickal Gatherings]] duel with Tensaided by drawing Unstompable Stompede, allowing him to do enough damage to take Tensaided from 20 life down to zero in one turn. Lampshaded.--> '''Tensaided:''' Well, it just goes to show that no matter how powerful and awesome one's deck is, there is always an element of luck with card games.* {{Magitek}}: Tedd's research is starting to skirt the line into this with the increasing focus on magic in the story.* MamaBear:** Knowing that [[spoiler:Adrian Raven]] is half-human and half-immortal, [[spoiler:Abraham]] managed to draw only one conclusion, and mostly wrong one. The prospect of facing said immortal's reaction after he'd beaten her child within a hair's breadth of death somehow escaped his attention in all this haste… Isn't it surprising -- where all those heavy boots flying toward his butt came from? And it's still ''not'' enough for her.--->'''[[spoiler:Pandora-Chaos]]:''' Also? ''He hurt my son.''** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-12-27 Diane, not surprisingly]].--> '''Diane:''' (after Rhoda was accosted by a boar) '''''[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-11-24 It should burn]]'''''. I'm having '''''pork''''' for lunch.** According to Nanase's mother when she's trying to get her a babysitting job, Nanase.-->"No, seriously. She will defend your children with the ferocity of a mama bear protecting her cubs."** Susan's mother [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1095 morphed into one]] during a flashback. * ManIFeelLikeAWoman:** It's [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2006-03-24 implied]] that Tedd does this on occasion just for fun, but so far no other character has. Later on it's pretty much verified.** Discussed [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp.php?id=9 here]] and [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp.php?id=157 here]]. Also shows up [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp.php?id=157 in this guest comic]].* ManShapedHole: [[spoiler:Damien and Adrian Raven]] both made big holes part in the window and part in the wall by being blasted through. Both survived this and flying one story down to the ground after, both being [[MadeOfIron tougher than normal humans]].* TheMasquerade:** At least two -- with magic and Uryuoms, and [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?arcid=54 people aren't always allowed into both at once]].** Grace [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-12-06 isn't]] really into it, though. It's too [[http://www.egscomics.com/sketchbook/?date=2010-12-07 inconvenient]], after all.** TheUnmasquedWorld: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-12-01 More or less]], done. [[spoiler:[[MeaningfulName Pandora]] [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-01-21 is now hellbent on causing this]]]]. Also, it will let her son Adrian participate fully in society. Whatever form it's going to take after this, anyway. However, A.J. Arthur says that the ''real'' secret hasn't been broken, yet -- it's no longer about the existence of magic, but rather its ''accessibility'' (the point being that the existence of magic things might actually be widely known, but that ordinary humans can learn to ''use'' magic is not) that needs to remain hidden.* MaybeMagicMaybeMundane: Not used in its traditional sense (everything here is magic, from the [[BoobsOfSteel boobs]] to the [[MagicPants clothes]]), but rather with regards to the existence of a capital-g God. Nanase's angel-looking 'Guardian Form' MAY be a gift from God, or it may just be another example of the way her magical potential is expressed by her personality. Of particular note if the fact that an [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1670 ENTIRE COMIC]] consisted of nothing but Ellen silently praying for divine approval as she tried to use her Clone Beam to duplicate Nanase's Guardian Form. Was it necessary? Would she have been able to duplicate it anyway? There's no way of telling.* MeaningfulBackgroundEvent: While characters in the foreground discuss alcohol, [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2013-06-18 something happens]] to a guy in the background. This, in an arc where Ellen and Nanase finally meet someone who has figured out that there is some kind of {{Masquerade}}.* MeaningfulName: ** Assistant Director [[RobLiefeld Liefeld]] is rather overmuscled.** Justin is very much into geek media. His last name, Tolkiberry, is a portmanteau of [[Creator/JRRTolkien Tolkien]] and [[GeneRoddenberry Roddenberry]].** Nanase's last name is Kitsune and she ends up calling her magical clone Fox.** Also, Grace's last name, Sciuridae, is the scientific name for various species of squirrel. In addition, her codename is "Shade Tail," a rough translation of "Sciuridae." ** A few minor characters, such as Susan's geeky boss Mr. Tensaided ([[TabletopGames ten-sided]]) and Ellen/Grace's math teacher Mr. [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleph_number Alephnull]].** Tedd's last name, "Verres," is French for "glasses" and translates into Uryuom as "Bolloc" which is appropriate to his father's cover-up jobs. * MegaMealChallenge: During the "Hammerchlorians - 1" segment, [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1091 Grace orders]] the "Pancake Mount Doom" breakfast, and gets her picture on the Wall of Fame after finishing it (making her only the fourth person ever to win). * TheMenInBlack: Until the end of the "Sister II" arc, Mr. Verres was the head of the Paranormal division of the FBI. Now he is the "Director of Paranormal Diplomacy" a position that was created just for him when KickedUpstairs because his extensive paranormal connections prevented him from being fired.* TheMindIsAPlaythingOfTheBody:** About halfway. {{Gender Bender}}s [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2006-02-22 face]] the consequences of the new hormonal status and reactions on pheromones, whether they are comfortable with this or not. But ShapeShifting does not turn the subject mentally in a cat, guinea or squirrel. On the other hand, both innate and artificial ShapeShifting have ''some'' safeguards.** This trope is explored more seriously in the "Grace's Birthday Party" arc, when Susan allows herself to be gender-bent specifically to find out whether being male really does make people act like [[JerkAss Jerkasses]]. (Answer: [[spoiler:nope. Evidently [[FreudianExcuse her dad]] had no excuse for his jerkiness]].)** Seems played straight but later averted with the transformation gun and sexuality. The gun is programmed to make straight people bisexual when transformed, because it was made to aid any species suffering a severe sex imbalance that risked species survival (or so Tedd speculates). Altered sexuality helps one adjust to such a necessity. Gay and bi people remain attracted to who they always were. Given the rules as set out, one could presumably program the gun to cause no such mental changes in straight people - which Tedd probably has no interest in doing, because (to him) it's [[RuleOfSexy a lot less sexy that way]].* MindScrew: Lots of it. When done intentionally, usually involves attempts to project the normal family tree onto Ellen's case in several equally disturbing ways.* MinoredInAssKicking: [[spoiler:Mr. Raven, though this is more of a Crouching ''Creeper'' Hidden Badass]]* MissingMom: Where exactly Tedd's mom is, why she's not around, and what the nature of their relationship is continues to be one of the strip's biggest mysteries.* MistakenForObjectOfAffection: In one of the [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1823 Summer Moments]] comics, Sarah is transformed into Grace as part of a plan to prank Tedd. Unfortunately, Tedd discovered Sarah as Grace a little too early, and kissed her, thinking she was the real Grace. The comic itself lacks any dialogue, but the commentary suggests that they decided to [[LetUsNeverSpeakOfThisAgain never speak of it again.]]* MisterDescriptor: "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-12-11 All of you animal people have horrible names]]."* MixAndMatchCritters:** Uryuoms' eggs work this way producing {{Hybrid Monster}}s, thus Here There Be Chimerae. And [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2004-03-10 then]], part-lespuko chimerae.** And let's not forget Jeremy, Tedd's housecat with hedgehog spines.* MoodWhiplash:** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-10-07 Oh dear god]]. What started out as an arc based on [[GenkiGirl Grace]] and [[MadScientist Tedd]] going on a double date with Ellen and Nanase to keep Tedd's mind off of science ended up by [[spoiler: showing that Tedd has a version of [[EvilCounterpart Lord Tedd's]] [[RedRightHand mechanical arm]].]]--->[[spoiler:'''Tedd:''' Then the next time someone has the balls to mess with us, we will stand together… and we will make them '''[[BewareTheNiceOnes regret it]].''']]** It gets better: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-10-10 The next comic]] has Sarah and Susan… playing video games at Sarah's house. Ow, my metaphorical neck.** Heck, there's a comic ''titled'' [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2004-11-09 "The Most Emotionally Unbalanced Comic EVER"]]---> '''Ellen:''' I'm sorry, did I interrupt some drama there?* {{Mooks}}: The not-really-flaming fire summons. They are ''so'' harmless to Greg and Grace that they use them as ''training dummies'' to teach Grace a sleeper hold.* MoralityPet: Lord Tedd looks almost normal and even rather nice [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-11-07 when]] he looks for Nioi, as opposed to most other scenes with him, while Nioi is convinced he's not that bad and it's all only the [[PoisonousFriend corrupting influence]] of General Shade Tail.* MotionlessMakeover: Justin likes doing this to Nanase when her body's unconscious during the use of her Fairy Doll spell. He limits himself to the hairdo, however.* MotorMouth: Heidi, [[spoiler:AKA Elliot's party girl alter ego]], as seen [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-06-06 here]].* MrExposition:** Dr. Germahn and Amanda during the Q&A segments, Tedd when he explains the TF/TG gun.** Mr. Verres is [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-11-26 An ENDLESS BARREL of exposition]].** Jerry the Immortal is also one of these. ** [[MrExposition Mr. Verres]] lampshades one of [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-11-22 Grace's attempts]].* MuggingTheMonster:** After Sarah takes Grace out to buy clothes, the two of them are set upon by a mugger. This is how we are [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-03-10 introduced to her shapeshifting powers]].** And her telekinesis as well, although it's not confirmed until [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-11-28 this strip]].* MultipleTailedBeast: Grace's [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2007-02-09 omega form]] is a three-tailed squirrel-girl.* MundaneFantastic: How Elliot and Ellen's parents react to all the weirdness around them.* MundaneMadeAwesome:** [[BreatherEpisode Indiana Elliot And The Temple Of Swedish Furniture]] storyline consisted of Elliot shopping for a Swedish TV stand. 8 comics in, we have an epic chase sequence.** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2007-02-02 This strip]] turns a potato battery (and a rubber duck) into awesome science.** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-10-25 This comic]] has the most epic clicking of "do not like" ever.** Thanks to Grace's imagination, we have the [[MagicTheGathering Magickal Gatherings]] duel between Justin and Tensaided, starting [[http://www.elgoonishshive.com/?date=2012-09-06 here]].* MundaneUtility: Elliot finds out that he must transform before bed each evening to stave off unwanted magic buildups… so, Ellen sees an opportunity to [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-02-21 try out new hair colors]] or [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-08-20 make costumes for roleplaying with her girlfriend]].* MysteriousParent:** All that's known about Tedd's mother is that she's somewhere in Europe, and that there's some [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-01-28 bad blood]] between her and her sister Mrs. Kitsune. ** To a lesser extent, Susan's father. It's eventually explained that he left after being caught in an affair, which was the root of Susan's [[DoesNotLikeMen ultra-feminist]] tendencies. * MysteriousPast: What the hell ''[[NoodleIncident happened]]'' in France, anyway? Finally gets resolved as of [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-05-19 here]].* NakedApron: Tedd [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2005-05-30 here]] (well, not naked, but skimpily dressed), and Elliot [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-03-26 here]].* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: [[spoiler:Pandora Chaos Raven]]. [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-11-13 "Refer to me as one or as all. I WILL live up to the name."]]* NecessarilyEvil: Abraham.* NegativeContinuity: Some of the EGS:NP storylines. Like this [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp/?date=2008-09-19 one]].* {{Nepotism}}: The title of the arc where Justin tries to get Grace a job at the comic book store, referencing the fact that his uncle owns the place.* NeverHeardThatOneBefore: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-09-02 It's not a close encounter of the fifth kind]].* NeverLiveItDown: In-universe - Abraham's creation of the Dewitchery Diamond. [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-06-09 Every properly trained wizard has heard of him]].* NewPowersAsThePlotDemands: The magic system explicitly allows any "Awakened" character to develop any power the plot needs, any time it's convenient. The characters [[GenreSavvy acknowledge]] living in a world where RuleOfDrama is an observable phenomenon akin to gravity.* NiceJobBreakingItHero: Abraham and his great idea to make the Dewitchery Diamond. What he needed was to remove or suppress the lycanthropy of ''one guy''. What he did is create a BoobyTrap for [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2006-05-05 unaware shapeshifters and users of cosmetic magic]], with [[NecessaryDrawback side effects]] that in turn suffer several other side effects in such a way that whatever problem caused its activation ''spreads''. And it's nigh indestructible, so all this fun never ends. Oh, and on top of that, good ole' Abe thinks it might be ''intelligent!''* NoBisexuals: The strip has a rather unusual take on sexual attraction and gender identity, which led to [[InternetBackdraft vast, multi-site flamewars]] on whether it was [[IneptAesop doing the GLBT contingent,]] and bisexuals especially, a disservice. In this comic, being subject to a GenderBender causes one to gain heterosexual tendencies appropriate to the gender being changed into (basically, straight people become bisexual while homosexuals see no real change in which gender they're attracted to), so El Goonish Shive is an aversion of this, as much of the cast have been bi, albeit only temporarily. Ellen (a magical duplicate of Elliot permanently turned into a girl) is also bisexual but has decided that she isn't able to deal with dating men, largely because she realizes her attraction to guys is a purely artificial construct forced onto her by SufficientlyAdvancedTechnology. She now identifies as a homoromantic bisexual.** Zigzagged with Grace. She doesn't identify as a bisexual, as she's physically attracted to the opposite of whatever gender she's in at the moment. However, between that and the fact that as a chimera, her attraction is based more on mental concepts, regardless of gender, whether she is or is not bisexual is a matter of semantics (the fandom-culture formulation "Teddsexual" and the tumblr-culture formulation "demisexual" have also been suggested).** Ashley has dated both girls and boys, and her attraction to Elliot intensifies when she comes upon him switching gender. Despite this, she specifically refuses to describe herself as bisexual: "I don't like labels, or boiling things down to one word." * NoCelebritiesWereHarmed:** "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-12-12 Now now]], Mr. Raven, I know you just think of me as a ''lowly'' intern with a ''remarkable'' resemblance to [[{{Scrubs}} Zach Braff…]]"** The guy who [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-02-06 loaned Elliot a lighter]] sure looks a lot like [[Creator/KevinSmith Silent Bob]].** And of course, Raven himself looks like Alan Rickman's version of [[Film/HarryPotter Snape]].* NoodleImplements: Ninjas, japanese bath houses, and ''hamsters''. [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2006-10-02 Lots of hamsters]].* NoodleIncident: Several, though older ones are gradually being resolved:** Susan and Nanase's trip to [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-05-19 France]] and that trip's connection to the [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2005-02-07 French speaking]] immortals were this for five years until explained in May 2010.** The series of events that led to Sarah becoming a {{Catgirl}}, which left her traumatized about transformations. The {{Catgirl}} incident was never told in sequence or flashbacked, but alluded enough to give a very good idea what happened. [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-03-21 Few months before the comic started]], while Tedd and Sarah worked on a project for school together. [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2005-12-02 He was just joking around]]!** How Elliot's previous summer job at the grocery store left him freezing up at the mere thought of going back to it.** After Ellen and Nanase become "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-11-21 Meddling Teenagers]]" (Not affiliated with any [[ScoobyDoo meddling kids or their dog]]), we get [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2013-02-06 this]] conversation:-->'''Elliot:''' I still can't believe Ellen and Nanase got invited to a party with ''college students''.\\'''Justin:''' Well, they ''did'' save their mascot while solving the mystery of the haunted locker room.** Diane got drunk at a [[http://egscomics.com/?date=2013-05-09 new years]] party once.** When Tedd is pointing out [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1732 all the reasons people notice Elliot]], we see him [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=788 taking on bullies]], [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=20 fighting the Goo]] ([[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=22 how people know about it]]), [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=955 attacking the Evil Monkey]], and... talking to a griffin? When did that happen?!-->'''Tedd:''' In retrospect, that griffin was probably noteworthy.\\'''Elliot:''' ''She was just asking for directions!''* NoInfantileAmnesia: Ellen, via her "Second Life."* NoJustNoReaction: Sarah's reaction [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1608 at the thought that Elliot might be]] [[LikeBrotherAndSister like a sister to her in his female form]].* NoMouth: Until the second story arc, Tedd's mouth wasn't drawn unless he was yelling or grinning.* NoOntologicalInertia: After a summoner is killed or rendered unconscious everything he summoned vanishes.* NoPronunciationGuide: Subverted. When Grace and Ellen start school, we're not only told how to pronounce "Sciuridae"[[note]]"Skwur-uh-dey"[[/note]] but also "Dunkel"[[note]]"Duhn-kel"[[/note]].* NoSocialSkills: Grace. She was raised in a lab, and [[InnocentFanserviceGirl it took her a long time to realize why everyone in the main cast was uncomfortable with her nudity]]. Also lacks what should be common knowledge.** Also Noah, as Elliot has noticed when they first met. [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1075 You have no idea how to handle this, do you?]] Also, [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1361 were you aware squirrels ate nuts?]] We don't know much about his past, but judging by similar symptoms, weird hair and [[spoiler:connection to Damien]] he may well have essentially the same case as Grace.* NotHelpingYourCase: When Mr. Verres has given permission for Grace to have a birthday party while he's away, on the condition that Elliot supervise (instead of Ellen):-->'''Mr. Verres:''' The clincher, however, was [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2004-11-15 that crazed look]] you got on your face when I first suggested the party.\\'''Ellen:''' That crazed look could have meant ''[[WildTeenParty any number]]'' of things.\\'''Mr. Verres:''' That doesn't help your case.* NotSoAboveItAll: Susan, who knows that jealousy is a logical, biological trait among people and unsurprised she feels this way towards Elliot, is ''very'' surprised to [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1749 have found Catalina kissing him to be a turnon]].-->'''Susan''': A female friend who once asked me out kisses a male friend that I'm attracted to, and I think it's sexy. ''Where's the damn logic''?!* NotThatTheresAnythingWrongWithThat:** One of Justin's fangirls is [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-12-20 sad that he's gay]]. But only because she can't ask him out. Even though she already has a boyfriend.** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-03-02 "Wait, do lesbians have to say that?"]]* NotUsingTheZWord: {{Averted|Trope}} -- Dan decided to concede and call his not-exactly-a-vampire thing a "vampire" because he knew the readers would accuse him of trying to pawn a vampire off as something else. Translated, ''in''-universe, to Susan giving in and (grudgingly) calls it a vampire when she realises Grace and Sarah will keep calling it one regardless of anything she says to the contrary.* NotWearingPantsDream: Early in the "Squirrel Prophet" arc, Grace is getting chewed out by an old-fashioned teacher for using the Internet in her research assignment. The teacher then points out she forgot to get dressed, at which point her clothes ''disappear''. [[TheFreelanceShameSquad Ridicule]] ensues.* NotWhatItLooksLike: Inverted- "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-07-14 This is exactly what it looks like]]."* NoYay: Several in-universe examples.** This is [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2004-01-20 Tedd's]] [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2007-02-12 reaction]] to the thought of Nanase, his cousin, involved with ''anyone''.** In the 'Hammerchlorians' arc, it looks like Sarah may need to settle occasional feelings in this area regarding Elliot's less manly times, too.** Justin is less than thrilled with Elliot's less manly times as well.** Elliot and Tedd at Grace's saying she wouldn't mind Elliot turning into her if he wants to experiment with making his 'turn into a girl' magic sexy.--> '''Grace:''' This is one of those things I'm apathetic about that everyone else finds creepy, isn't it?* ObliviousToLove: Done ''thrice'', played with and played [[StealthPun straight]], with the ''same character''. In an early storyline, Elliot pretended to be unaware that Sarah was in love with him, in a complicated (and failed) attempt to spare her feelings when she found out he had a girlfriend. [[VictoriousChildhoodFriend They work it out]]. He also seems to be genuinely unaware that Justin has feelings for him. And after [[spoiler:breaking up with her]], Elliot finally acknowledges both [[spoiler:his growing attraction to Susan and that he thinks of Sarah as a sister]]. The [[HeroicBSOD latter realization]] [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2013-04-05 breaks his brain]], but he's unaware [[spoiler:Susan is attracted to him as well]].** This trope may also one of the reasons why Justin has never had a boyfriend. He seems strangely unaware of [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1913 a certain someone's]] interest in him, despite the chemistry between the two being [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1901 patently obvious to both Sarah and Grace.]] * OddFriendship: Susan and Tedd. One is the result of a StrawFeminist upbringing. The other is an enormous pervert who openly objectifies women. To say they got off to a rocky start would be an understatement, but once they found common ground (ParentalAbandonment and ''Franchise/StarTrek''), they actually get along okay.* OfCorsetHurts: Never demonstrated, but [[ConversationalTroping conversed]].-->"[[InMediasRes …]][[SeinfeldianConversation So basically, the difference between traditional corsets and the modern faux corsets is the absence of evil]]."* [[OfferVoidInNebraska Offer Void In Arizona:]] PlayedForLaughs [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-01-24 in this comic's commentary]].* OfficialCouple: Tedd and Grace. The other couples, Sarah/Elliot and Nanase/Ellen, seem slightly less stable, though at least one is getting better. [[spoiler:And now Sarah/Elliot has apparently run aground on the rocks of the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westermarck_effect Westermarck effect]].]]* OffscreenCrash:** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-02-26 More like an offscreen explosion]].** And a [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-05-03 really big one]].* OhCrap:** "Oh Hell," [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1113 actually, when Jerry turns around]] and discovers that Susan has gained a ([[NightmareFuel somewhat freaky looking]]) hair-BattleAura after he pointed out that he created the hammer system not to ''prevent'' sexual harassment, but to ''encourage'' it.** Elliot/Heidi, realizing that he just kissed his girlfriend's sister when in an alternate identity. After calling her sexy. On TV. Yes, it was just a goodbye peck on the cheek, and he could blame it on his magical disguise messing with his head, but there's still reason to be concerned, as Elliot's girlfriend is very insecure when compared to her older sister.** The first one ever came in [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-01-23 this comic]]. Of course, it's more of Elliot saying it in sympathy to Tedd.** Resident BadassTeacher Raven gets one [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-01-31 here]].** Nanase's expression [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2013-02-26 here]], when she realizes Sarah doesn't know how Elliot and Nanase's relationship ended and its implications.** Elliot's expression when he realizes [[spoiler: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2013-03-14 he's attracted to Susan]].]]** [[RunningGag Elliot]]'s anthropomorphic representations of his brain when [[IdSuperegoAndEgo Super Elliot]] reminds them that [[spoiler:[[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1743 Susan and Sarah are watching the whole scene that Catalina is doing]].]]** Tom gets a couple when [[spoiler:Susan realizes that he was trying to manipulate her.]]* OlderThanTheyLook: Raven looks 40-50, but he's old enough to have taught Nanase's mother. [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-06-18 These]] [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-08-26 comics]] make it clear he's also arguably ''YoungerThanTheyLook'', since he evidently uses an illusion spell to look older (being half-immortal basically means eternal youth).* OldMaster: Invoked-->'''Greg:''' For alas it is my greatest of shames as an anime martial arts master that I am not an old man or a pervert!!!* OneGenderRace: While some Uryuoms living on Earth adopt gender roles, they really are ambisexual; any two Uryuoms can form an egg together, which can then be 'fertilized' with ''any'' available DNA sources.* OneSidedArmWrestling: Nanase vs Man-Susan* OneSteveLimit: While played straight for the most part, was averted with a one-off joke with two Toms. One's a ManipulativeBastard, the other's reportedly a really NiceGuy.** [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=2027 Confirmed]]. So nice he has an ENDANGERED PUPPY SENSOR* OnlySixFaces: Maybe not six, but it's here and is only aggravated by the "shapeshifting into some similar form" theme. However, [[http://www.egscomics.com/sketchbook/?date=2009-02-20 he got]] [[ArtEvolution better]].* OpaqueLenses: Tedd's glasses.* OpenMindedParent: The Dunkels, whose idea of punishing Elliot involves deciding he can only have one brownie with dinner, then forgetting that decision when the time comes and letting him have as many as he wants. There's also a RunningGag where something utterly bizarre happens (like [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-06-18 Elliot turning into a girl for the first time]]) and they respond with indifference, amusement, or immediate acceptance, usually after everyone else has made a much bigger deal of it.* OurElvesAreBetter: Elves are what you get when you breed humans and immortals (read: small-g gods) together, with all the power that implies. [[spoiler:Raven happens to be one, which explains how he's been teaching since Nanase's mother was in high school]]. Subverted though, since elves are bound to similar rules as immortals, being disallowed from directly interfering with mortals except when magic is involved and/or innocent lives are in peril. [[spoiler: Raven's mother is trying to break TheMasquerade partially to get rid of these limitations. She claims she's doing it for him, but it seems like she might just be doing it out of boredom.]]* OurVampiresAreDifferent: The creature that [[spoiler:[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-05-21 attacked Susan and Nanase in France]]]]. It's strongly emphasized by Susan that it wasn't ''really'' a vampire, but it was vampire-like enough that they may as well call it one.* OverNineThousand: One of the story arcs is called 9001% Serious.* PaperThinDisguise:** Parodied; aliens avoid detection by wearing T-shirts with phrases like "Homo sapiens." ** [[http://www.egscomics.com/sketchbook/?date=2006-03-26 Aliens? What aliens]]?** "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-07-12 The Ecology Of Anteaters (Not a Spellbook)]]."* ParentalAbandonment: Mr. Verres is often away from home on government business, and the former Mrs. Verres is in Europe somewhere and won't even visit for Christmas. Meanwhile, Mr. Pompoms has only been seen in Susan's memories, and significantly, his face is always obscured. [[spoiler:Finally, all of Grace's parents are dead; her human gene-mother actually having died before she was conceived, her Uryuom father being murdered by Damien, and her ''other'' two parents being non-sentient lab animals which presumably would not have survived]].)* ParentalSubstitute:** Mr. Verres to Grace, due to promising her biological grandfather he'd look after her.** Diane to Rhoda. She helps her with teachers, protects her from creepy reporters, and is absolutely ''murderous'' when Rhoda is hurt by the boar ("It should ''burn''. I'm having ''pork'' for lunch"). On top of that, Rhoda is specifically keeping the fact that [[spoiler:she's a lesbian]] a secret, exactly like you'd hide that kind of thing from a parent. For the record, her actual parents wouldn't care.* PartialTransformation: Grace can transform to any stage between full squirrel and full human, can selectively morph away her furry antennae, as well as routinely pull off various {{Shape Shifter Mashup}}s with any or all of her continually growing number of humanoid forms.* PeopleFallOffChairs: Done twice, [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-05-27 here]] and [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-12-09 here]].* PercussiveMaintenance: Dan uses this to fix his computer [[http://www.egscomics.com/sketchbook/?date=2005-02-05 in this filler strip]].* PersonalityPowers: In this '{{verse}} magic development is based on "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2007-01-31 who you are and what you're doing]]" -- [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-09-03 at least normally]].* PietaPlagiarism: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-05-19 Grace and a guy she just knocked out with a sleeper hold]].* PirateGirl: At least [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp/?date=2006-07-27 one]] convention attendee cosplays as this in the EGS:NP storyline "EGS-Con 2006".* PlayingWithFire: Damien.* PlayingWithSyringes: Project Lycanthrope.* PleaseGetOffMe: "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-03-29 I appreciate your affection]], but I need to breathe" * PleasePutSomeClothesOn: The [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-07-19 standard response]] to Grace's early nudism. Playing with the trope -- she actually takes it as people thinking she's ugly.* PoisonousFriend: Nioi [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-11-10 acts on the assumption]] that Lord Tedd would be better off without his personal BloodKnight. In turn, General Shade Tail's opinion of Nioi is [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-11-07 pretty low]].* PoliticalCorrectnessGoneMad: The strip originally called "[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-08-04 Politically Correct to the Bitter End, though Ironically, I Think the Bloodgrem's British]]"* PoorCommunicationKills: Averted by Justin when confronted with an angry, incomprehensible fire monster; his first response is to try and work out a way to communicate, rather than go straight to beating the tar out of it. [[spoiler:It attacks anyway, but it's the thought that counts]]. Later his sensei Greg tries to talk as far as possible too.** The ''Identity'' arc features this (and more broadly the nuances of people communicating) as a recurring theme, as the commentary makes clear -- though mostly in aversion. It has the aftermath of Elliot and Sarah's surprisingly [[spoiler:clean and angst-free breakup]], Ashley and Elliot cutting short a lot of drama by simply [[spoiler:admitting that they like each other right there and then]] and Susan managing to trip up an attempt to manipulate her simply by being honest about her feelings and intents (on the non-aversion side, it also features a nearly-disastrous attempt by Catalina to counter helping spread a (false, though she believed it at first) rumour about Elliot and [[spoiler:Tom's deceitful manipulations backfiring on him]], destroying any chance of a friendship with Susan).* PornStash: Implied; Diane is warned by her sister to stay out of a folder on the computer called "Gender Studies" before she is legally an adult.* PostHistoricalTrauma: Done self-consciously for Grace's first day at school. [[spoiler:Subverted when it turns out to be not about WorldWarTwo as such, but related personal experience]].* PowerGivesYouWings: Nanase, [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-10-09 here]]. And [[OhCrap boy does she look PISSED]].* PowerGlows:** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-09-05 Mostly]] subverted. The glow is optional and only used to indicate that said person is using his/her powers. This is the case with Nanase's fairy doll, and by WordOfGod, with Elliot's and Nanase's martial art skills.** The reason or meaning of [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2007-11-24 occasionally glowing Tedd]] when he thinks of Grace is (as yet) unknown. As is his glowing during a Eureka! moment and a personal revelation. Apparently it's a real glow and not artistic convention, as Grace can see it too.*** In fact, Tedd nearly ''blinds'' someone who was looking for auras. And who was looking at a guy near him.* PowerPerversionPotential:** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2006-03-24 Tedd showers as a girl]].** Also subverted: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-12-13 Elliot fails at perversion]].** Not yet explored, but [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2013-02-18 Grace has full control over her breast size]].** Discussed [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-06-25 Nanase could practically undress almost anyone in a second]].** Agent Cranium has the ability to perform remote viewings, [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1695 and has used it in exactly the way most people would.]]* PracticeKiss:** The trope is mentioned in [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-04-30 this]] strip.** And [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-05-29 when]] Sarah considers what Tedd (shapechanged to look like Grace) might think goes on in women's restrooms.* PrecisionFStrike: Grace pretty much swears for the first time [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-12-03 here]].* PrescienceIsPredictable: Chaos only helps out Magus because she wants to make things as unpredictable as possible.* {{Protectorate}}: Though she's [[CharacterDevelopment gotten more assertive]] on her own behalf over the last several arcs, pretty much the only surefire way to piss off Grace is to threaten her friends. [[BewareTheNiceOnes You may not get the chance to do this more than once]].** Tedd is aspiring to this, too.* PsychoactivePowers: When someone makes [[spoiler:Grace]] explode (metaphorically), something is going to explode (literally).* PsychoticSmirk: Along with EvilLaugh, played to the hilt with Raven though he could just be being creepy and weird.* PunctuatedForEmphasis: '''''[[http://www.elgoonishshive.com/?date=2012-01-06 DO. YOU. UNDERSTAND. ME]]?'''''* PuppyDogEyes:** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2006-03-29 None Can Stand Alone Against a Septet of Puppy Dog Eyes]]! When performed by ''Susan'', it's mostly used [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-01-28 for shock effect]].** At least when she does it intentionally. [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp/?date=2010-02-12 Otherwise…]]** And [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-08-09 again]].* PutOnABus:** Lord Tedd. [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]] in [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-09-01 one strip]].--->'''Mr. Verres:''' Elliot, your concerns are based on incomplete and false information. We have been addressing the Lord Tedd situation, and I can assure you, it wouldn't make sense for him to be behind it.\\'''Elliot:''' ''You have''?!\\'''Mr. Verres:''' Of ''course'' I have! Did you ''honestly'' think my strategy after hearing that someone from another universe was allegedly out to ''kill my son'' was to ''ignore it'' and ''hope for the best''?!\\'''Elliot:''' That… ''seemed'' like what we were doing…\\'''Mr. Verres:''' Well, it wasn't. But that's not important right now. This is all complicated enough as it is with-out dragging Lord Tedd into it.** Dr. Germahn. Also lampshaded/hand-waived by the man himself [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-02-26 here]].* PopculturalOsmosisFailure:** Grace, even for stuff that's not so "pop."-->'''Grace:''' [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-06-25 Who the hell is Santa Claus]]?** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-05-04 Elliot apparently didn't pay much attention]] to ''Film/TheMatrix''.-->'''Mr Tensaided:''' ''([[SunglassesAtNight wearing dark glasses]])'' Hello, Mr. Anderson. Welcome to the video store.-->'''Elliot:''' Hello! [[ComicallyMissingThePoint It's, uh, Dunkel, actually. Elliot Dunkel]].*** [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?date=2003-06-22 But he owns that movie]] and [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?date=2003-12-08 he used to be able to make references]].* TheRant:** The commentaries on some comics, which may explain a plot point, a technique used, or Dan's opinion on Series/{{Scrubs}} and WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy's different styles of IndulgentFantasySegue.** They may also (unintentionally) explain ScheduleSlip, as in more rant = less art.** And then even this [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-02-19 was]] {{lampshaded}} / [[DeconstructiveParody self-parodied]]. Also:-->'''Elliot''' and '''Sarah:''' (a synchronized {{Facepalm}}) ''[[OhCrap Aw crap]]!''\\'''Susan:''' [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-05-05 What? Did I say something wrong]]?\\'''Tedd:''' They've heard the rant to follow before.* RapidHairGrowth: In the [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1458 6-20-13]] strip Nanase's head hair starts growing as a result of using one of Tedd's magical watches. [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1459 And growing]]. [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1460 And growing]].* RapunzelHair:** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2005-09-02 Elliot]] during Grace's Birthday Party. Susan has this naturally and it was lampshaded [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-04-19 quite rudely]].** Nanase ends up with this as a side effect of [[spoiler:being burnt out of magic,]] and Tedd's subsequent efforts to determine the cause accidentally make it worse. The trope was gleefully invoked by Nanase's little sister Akiko, who is eight years old and addicted to ''Disney/{{Tangled}}''.* ReasonableAuthorityFigure: Raven, as shown [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-02-22 here]].* ReinventingTheTelephone: Nanase's Fairy Form. With inevitable commentary on this by the rest of the cast.* RedHerring:** Eric, who was introduced at the start of [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-08-18 the New and Old Flames arc]], initially appears to be the one who [[spoiler:[[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-04-06 summoned the fire creature]]]], but we quickly find out that it was really [[spoiler:Dex, who only appeared to be an odd background character]].** And it turns out that [[spoiler:Dex wasn't the {{BigBad}}, either. He was being possessed]].* RelationshipReboot: Towards the end of the Sister arc, Ellen and Nanase do this, though Nanase doesn't get it at first. Ellen then goes on to reintroduce herself to the entire cast, with Nanase threatening to bitch slap anyone who laughs.* RelaxOVision: Used in-universe and weaponized by Jerry. Causes both calming and illusory fluffy animals to cuddle.* ReplacementGoldfish: [[spoiler:Grace; Dr Sciuridae replaced the original gene sample that was to be used for Shade Tail with one from his daughter, after she was killed in a car accident]].* ResetButton: Averted; this is why TimeTravel [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-07-14 is impossible in EGS]].-->'''Sarah:''' Grace finally snapped and destroyed half of Moperville.-->'''Tedd:''' TO THE UNDO BUTTON!* RetCon / {{Revision}}: Melissa was [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-03-11 introduced]] as some girl that Justin dated once as a freshman who became a StalkerWithACrush in denial and who outed him. Later, we get [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2006-06-23 details]] where she's an UnluckyChildhoodFriend who after one failed date (when he realized he was gay) let his secret loose. And then [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-01-28 the other side of the story]] where she couldn't deal with losing the boy she wanted to marry nor the aftermath of confiding in her gossipy sister while emotionally devastated by the break up and became [[LoveMakesYouCrazy delusional]].** The #5 setting on the TF gun causing bisexuality and a supercharged libido was eventually declared a misunderstanding by it's operator. WordOfGod is that Shive hadn't really though through the UnfortunateImplications.** The history for Grace and her siblings changed shortly into the comic.* RevisitingTheRoots: The [[http://www.egscomics.com/sketchbook/?date=2012-01-21 10th anniversary sketchbook]].* RhetoricalQuestionBlunder:** Wondering about something while talking to a [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2009-03-06 summoned creature]] may quickly end up in TooMuchInformation.** And [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-01-12 this bit]] of dialogue:---> '''Tedd:''' Who ever gave you that idea?\\'''Grace:''' Everyone I have ever known ever.** And in [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp.php?id=189 EGS: NP]]...---> '''Nanase:''' ''[angrily]'' How would Grace like it if I had a magic watch that could make me look like ''her!?''\\\\'''Tedd:''' She'd be thrilled.* RightBehindMe: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-03-16 That]]'s awkward.* RightHandCat: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2005-02-16 For an Evil Lady]]. Also, Susan and Jeremy.* RightOnQueue: The side-story "[[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp/?date=2006-07-17 EGS-Con 2006]]" starts with one, and [[http://www.egscomics.com/egsnp/?date=2006-08-01 includes a second]].* RomanceInducingSmudge: Subverted when [[spoiler:Ellen]] goes to wipe a smudge off Nanase's face and she freaks out because [[spoiler:she was having trouble admitting her attraction to Ellen, and moments like that only made it more awkward]]. * RousseauWasRight: After Tedd calls out half the school for making fun of Susan when she's the ''only one'' trying to change the uniforms, most of them are quick to apologize, with one saying that "we aren't a Borg Hive Mind." Earlier, when Grace runs out of class (due to not having heard of WWII) and is very embarrassed upon coming back, the other students are quick to offer their condolences over her leading such a sheltered life, and are angry at the people who subjected her to that rather than her. In fact, this comic demonstrates in many places that, with a few exceptions, high school students ''aren't'' the bastards that most media would have us believe. They're just normal people, with basically good natures.* RuleOfCute: The only problem with ArtEvolution is that Dan is almost incapable of designing a female character without making her dangerously adorable one way or another.** CuteLittleFangs:*** In the person of [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2007-09-14 Catalina Bobcat]].*** Grace in her squirrel-girl form (a squirrel obviously should have big incisors instead, but she also got [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2004-08-30 lespuko]] traits).*** Mr. Raven also [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-02-27 clearly has fangs]], while hardly cute -- though Amanda could argue about the latter.*** [[spoiler:Vladia]] also has little fangs, though it's harder to tell.** CutenessProximity: Jeremy tried this on Susan, but failed. See also Sarah's [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-06-11 reaction]] to Grace's full squirrel form** CuddleBug: Grace and Ellen occasionally fall into this -- they hug someone all the time, while TheGlomp was performed ''not'' by one of them only twice: by Nanase (to Ellen) and Catalina (to Tedd). In the Second Life it was said to be fairly typical for a greater chimera. As to Ellen, at least Justin [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2007-08-10 thinks it's pretty normal for girls]]. Or she's just that uninhibited.** {{Meganekko}}: Chika, the newly introduced colleague and [[OnlySaneMan sane partner]] of Amanda. Or at least looks like one most of the time.*** Much to his chagrin, Tedd gets this at times when he's wearing his glasses. *** Dan commented that he's been doing this more and more lately with random female background characters.* RuleOfDrama: It's been stated explicitly that magic is "overly dramatic," such as when all dark blue dye from Susan's hair ran out of her hair and into her clothes, followed by the magic making dark blue her natural hair color. Just because.-->'''Grace:''' But why did her [[PowerMakesYourHairGrow hair grow]]?\\'''Jerry:''' See "over the top emphasis."* RuleOfFun: The author's stated reason for just why transforming is ridiculously, absurdly safe.-->'''Amanda:''' (Evil glare) It's more fun that way. [[DramaticThunder [KRAK-A-THOOM!] ]]* RuleOfFunny: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2010-08-20 Why else would]] [[http://www.egscomics.com/sketchbook/?date=2010-07-06 THIS happen]]?* RuleOfSexy: [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-12-27 "Why haven't you buttoned up?"]]* RunningGag:** The Demonic Duck; Elliot and Ellen [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-12-17 (and in one strip Tedd)]] saying "Za?"** "Either I'm a narcissist, or I'm just that girly." "Either way, [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2005-02-11 it's a disturbing revelation]]."** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2003-07-21 Lesbians Are Neato]]! (Though one time it was [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2008-07-23 Thespians]]). Even when the full phrase isn't used, it [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-08-06 still comes up]].** According to the author's commentary [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-01-05 here]], "that grin can now be considered a, um… well, the gag's certainly not running… A glacial drift gag?"** [[TangledFamilyTree Attempts to build a genealogy tree]] for Ellen in several diferent, but equally ripe with MindScrew ways. She's an OppositeSexClone created by a magical artifact in conjunction with GenderBender {{Magitek}}, but those around her keep trying to describe her parentage with traditional mother/father roles. For example, Ellen could be considered the daughter of Elliot and Tedd. Elliot's the mom because Ellen came from him and Tedd's the dad because he made it happen. Or she's a daughter of Elliot and Dewitchery Diamond, so one can discuss which is her "mom" and which "dad", etc. Turned serious with [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2005-06-06 this strip]].** [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2002-06-24 "READ or the owl will eat you."]]** "Zappa the kitty!"** "Withdrawn!"** [[GirlOnGirlIsHot Girls who have kissed Sarah count]]. ([[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=780 currently 3]])** Noah's will hit the floor whenever he recieves shocking information. Even if [[PeopleFallOffChairs he's sitting down]].* RunningGagged: The Hammers, Demonic Duck, and for a while Ted's Androgyny were killed for a short while. Ted's Androgny is back with a vengence, however. (And, was replaced by Ted being Ka-Girled often). ** Tedd's androgyny seems to be coming back [[http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=1847 as part of his character development,]] instead of as a gag.* RunningOnAllFours: Grace during the "Painted Black" arc. She encounters Vlad while infiltrating Damien's underground lair in her half squirrel/half human form and [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2004-01-31 gets down on all fours like a squirrel to run away from him]].----